Winnebago County Clerk Margie Mullins (D) is challenged by John Guevara, a Republican member of the Winnebago County Board.

When examining this race, it’s impossible to ignore a significant blunder under Mullins’ watch. Her office failed to certify the Winnebago County Forest Preserve ballot, a costly error that resulted in early voter confusion and a flood of complaints to the Rockford Board of Election Commissioners.

The glitch could prove even more costly down the road if that race is contested as a result of the omission. It could be grounds for Mullins’ ouster, yet her removal wouldn’t be prudent given her track record of running an efficient office.

Related problems could all be eliminated if the county and city elections offices were combined, according to some, but the balance of power between the county and the city is also a good concept. We still don’t like electronic voting machines in any case because the weasels are guarding the hen house.

Guevara has been a competent board member, and is well liked. Yet, he has offered little in terms of why we should replace Mullins, aside from her recent errors.

Keep in mind, Guevara was placed on the ballot by the Republican Central Committee. It’s not an office he sought on his own. But, those in need of a change might want to give him a chance. Whoever wins, the sample ballot should be published in all local papers, the daily and all the community weeklies.

Many people never consider many races or referendums until they get in the voting both and say, “What’s this?” Wide publication of the sample ballot would really help with voter education and the get-out-the-vote effort. Mullins has the contacts and experience to do this and the job in general. Vote for Mullins.